The Takeaway: Would Hamas complicate US plans for reset with Palestinians? Also: the back story on the spat between Israel and Jordan; Gulf post-COVID economic trends; Turkey’s Kurds; Egypt and Somalia; and more! Originals
Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Palestinians receive first batch of vaccines through COVAX More than 60,000 doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived in Ramallah on Wednesday. Palestine
Is Israel's agreement with Turkey a sign of Bibi's leadership? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted that the reconciliation agreement signed with Turkey reflects leadership on his part, but in truth he had no choice other than to make this decision. Israel
Will Popular Mobilization Units participate in battle for Mosul? Popular Mobilization Units leaders insist on participating in the fight to liberate Mosul, despite renewed demands by some Sunni politicians to exclude the units because of their history of human rights violations. Iraq
Who’s behind Istanbul airport attack? The attack at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on June 28 has triggered debate over whether Ankara is having problems deciding the priorities in its struggle against the Kurdistan Workers Party and the Islamic State. Turkey
Erdogan pens education plan for Turkey's 'devout generation' Turkey’s ruling party has paved the way for a controversial education foundation that many see as a parallel system to educate young people in line with the AKP's ideology and Islamist tenets. Turkey
Nablus' ancient mosques tell story of religions throughout history Dozens of mosques dating back thousands of years are spread around the old city of Nablus, reflecting the rich history of the city. Palestine
Prized Lion of Babylon joins list of crumbling Iraqi antiquities The ancient Lion of Babylon, Iraq’s national symbol, is critically threatened by erosion and neglect. Iraq
Why Jordan is unlikely to reconsider decision to close borders The international community has been pressuring Jordan to reconsider its decision to close its border following an IS attack on one of its border posts, but economic and security concerns indicate the kingdom is unlikely to change its position. Jordan
Iraqi army radio takes aim at IS The Iraqi army in Ninevah province has been operating a radio station in the area, with the aim of demonizing the Islamic State among the residents. Iraq
'The Singer' fails to express Nubian blues Many Nubians are finding fault with a Ramadan TV series they say misrepresents their forced displacement more than half a century ago. Egypt
Khamenei appoints new head of Iran's armed forces Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Mohammad Bagheri as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces. Iran
Erdogan gloats over Brexit Islamists hail the result of Britain’s referendum as the beginning of the end for the EU and the Atlantic’s dominance over world affairs. Turkey
How Erdogan will spin his deal with Israel Although Israel did not meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's top condition of lifting the Gaza blockade, Erdogan is still hailing the reconciliation between the countries as a major win. Israel
